RAV4 or Model Y: Which One Was the World’s Best-Selling Vehicle in 2024?
So, which of the Toyota RAV4 or the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle in the world in 2024? A compilation of global sales by JATO Dynamics finally gives us the answer.
With sales up 11% to 1.187 million units, the RAV4 came out just ahead of its American rival, which was down 3% to 1.185 million units. The latter previously held the title following its performance in 2023.
- Also: Global Electric Car Sales Rose 25 Percent in 2024
- Also: GM, Ford, Toyota and Hyundai Shine in 2024 Canadian Auto Sales
Despite nearing the end of its cycle, the Japanese compact SUV gained in popularity across the globe last year. Rising to second place in Canada, it even beat the Ford F-150 to become the overall best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2024.
Meanwhile, demand for Tesla and the Model Y in particular dropped all across the planet due to a slowdown in electric vehicles and the actions of top boss Elon Musk, most notably his support for Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential campaign.
After the RAV4 and Model Y, the best-selling vehicles worldwide in 2024 were the Toyota Corolla Cross in third place, the Honda CR-V in fourth and the Toyota Corolla in fifth.
Toyota also claims two other positions in the top 10, with the Hilux pickup (sixth) and the Camry (eighth), as you can see in the chart above from Car Industry Analysis. Tesla makes another appearance with the Model 3, while Chinese giant BYD rounds out the list with the Qin.
Going back to the RAV4, the all-new, sixth-generation 2026 model is due to hit the market later this year and will offer hybrid powertrains exclusively. That's a big change that could affect sales, of course. Pricing will be crucial.
As for the Model Y, a major update was made for 2025, but so far it doesn't seem to be helping Tesla, which continues to experience a sales decline in several markets including Europe.